July, 16, 2025: Startups and students can now apply for the NCIIPC Startup India AI Grand Challenge to solve 12 cybersecurity problem statements. With total funding of ₹22.56 Cr, prizes go up to ₹1.88 Cr per solution. Perks include mentorship, specialised datasets, incubation support, and post-challenge contracts. Deadline: August 15, 2025. Key areas: AI, cyber forensics, cryptology, and geospatial tech.
Organised by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC), the challenge includes 12 problem statements, each designed to address specific real-world security issues. Participants will work on developing tech solutions in areas such as cyber forensics, AI in big data, maritime domain intelligence, cryptology, and geospatial systems.
The AI Grand Challenge 2025 program is structured in three challenge stages and offers up to ₹1.88 crore in prize money per problem statement, with a total development fund of ₹22.56 crore across all stages. The breakdown of the funding includes ₹5.76 crore in Stage-1, ₹10.8 crore in Stage-2, and ₹6 crore in Stage-3.
NCIIPC Startup India AI Grand Challenge: Govt Invites Startups, Students to Build AI Solutions for National Security
- Access to ₹1.88 Cr per solution if selected
- Specialised datasets to build high-impact AI models
- Mentorship from national-level experts
- Access to computing power and incubation support
- Opportunity for post-challenge contracts, offered on a nomination basis to promising teams
This challenge is not just about funding. It’s also about giving young innovators access to tools, mentorship, and real problem-solving experience in high-impact national security domains.
Important Dates:
- Registration deadline: August 15, 2025 (IST) – Apply now at https://lnkd.in/gypt8jpU
Startups working in AI, cybersecurity, geospatial tech, and deep tech are encouraged to apply. With support from national agencies and deep integration with real-world needs, the challenge aims to strengthen India’s technological foundation in critical sectors.
